The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has recently received reports from consumers of fraudulent tax returns. In these reports, individuals have received letters from tax agencies stating that a tax return is under review even though he or she did not file tax returns or earn income in those states. These letters may not be a clerical error, but an identity theft attempt by criminals. Identity thieves try to receive tax returns by using personal information to file fraudulent claims.

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, take the following steps:

DATCP is working with the Internal Revenue Service, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the states that sent the notifications. If you receive a similar letter in the mail, please file a complaint on the DATCP website or contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128 or by email at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov.